How long does a bathroom renovation take?

A typical bathroom renovation takes us 4 to 6 weeks on site. That can sound long for one small room, but a lot has to happen in the right order, and some steps simply need time to dry or cure. Here’s what a typical job looks like week by week.

Before we start: ordering

The countdown really begins before demolition. Tiles, tapware, the bath and the vanity all need to be chosen and ordered so they arrive on time. Some imported fixtures can take weeks to land, so we lock in selections early and check stock before booking your start date.

Week 1: demolition and rough-in

We protect floors and the path to the bathroom, then strip the room back to the frame. In older homes we test for asbestos before anything comes out.

Once the room is bare, the plumber and electrician move pipes, drains and wiring to suit the new layout. This is also when we find out what’s hiding behind the old tiles.

Week 2: framing, sheeting and waterproofing

We repair any damaged framing and add noggins for the vanity, towel rails and shower screen. New wall sheeting goes up, and the floor is set with the right fall to the drain.

Then comes waterproofing, done to AS 3740 by a licensed waterproofer. The membrane needs time to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before tiling, and we never rush it. This is the most important step in the whole job, even though you’ll never see it.

Week 3: tiling

Tiling usually takes several days, longer for small mosaics, feature walls or large-format tiles. We check falls again as the floor tiles go down, so water heads to the drain rather than the door.

Week 4: fit-off

Grout and silicone go in. The plumber returns to fit tapware, the toilet and the bath, and the electrician fits lights, the exhaust fan and heated towel rail. We install the vanity and shaving cabinet from our workshop.

Weeks 5 and 6: shower screen and handover

Frameless shower screens are made to measure once tiling is finished, which is why there is often a short gap here. Once the screen is installed, we do a final clean, walk you through everything and hand over your waterproofing certificate and care guide.

What can slow things down

• Hidden water damage. Rotten framing or flooring behind old tiles needs fixing before we go further.
• Late selections. A tile or tap that’s out of stock can hold up the next trade.
• Layout changes mid-job. Moving a drain after rough-in means redoing work.
• Custom glass. Shower screens can take longer to make in busy periods.

Living through it

If you have a second bathroom, most people stay put. If it’s your only one, talk to us early. We can plan the work so the toilet is out of action for as few days as possible, or arrange a hire unit.

Every Ashgrove bathroom comes with a written schedule before we start, so you know which week is which and when the noisy days are.